Drug interactions
Ethinylestradiol + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Ethinylestradiol and Secobarbital: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Barbiturates induce hepatic enzymes that metabolize estrogens, which can lower ethinylestradiol levels. This may lead to breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure with unintended pregnancy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethinylestradiol and Secobarbital can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 and other hepatic enzymes increases the metabolism of ethinylestradiol.
What to do
Advise an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method during secobarbital use and for several weeks after stopping. Consider a non-hormonal method such as an intrauterine device.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethinylestradiol with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethinylestradiol and Secobarbital can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Barbiturates induce hepatic enzymes that metabolize estrogens, which can lower ethinylestradiol levels. This may lead to breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure with unintended pregnancy.
How serious is the interaction between Ethinylestradiol and Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise an additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method during secobarbital use and for several weeks after stopping. Consider a non-hormonal method such as an intrauterine device.
What other medicines interact with Secobarbital?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Secobarbital with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Doravirine, Elbasvir / grazoprevir. The full list is on the Secobarbital page.
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